The Wilson Clash Pro tennis racket, formerly the Clash Tour, offers a compelling blend of comfort and spin potential. This review delves into the performance characteristics of this uniquely designed racket, focusing on its innovative technologies and overall playing experience. With a remarkably thick beam and a flexible frame, the Clash Pro stands apart from more traditional designs, promising a distinctly different feel on court. We’ll explore whether this flexibility translates to superior performance across various strokes and playing styles.This in-depth analysis examines the Clash Pro’s performance in groundstrokes, volleys, serves, and touch shots. We’ll assess its power, control, and maneuverability, while also considering its known tendency to wear down strings more quickly. Ultimately, this review aims to determine whether the Wilson Clash Pro’s innovative design delivers on its promise of comfortable, spin-friendly play, and who might benefit most from its unique characteristics.
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Racket Specs and Technologies
The Wilson Clash Pro, previously known as the Clash Tour, boasts a unique design. It features a remarkably thick beam (24.5mm) throughout, contributing to its exceptional flexibility. This is coupled with a 100 sq in head size and a 16x19 string pattern.
Two key technologies are at play: Free Flex, which emphasizes the racket's bending for a noticeably soft feel, and StableSmart, aiming to maintain stability despite the high flex. The head-light balance (11 points HL without strings) makes it exceptionally maneuverable.
On-Court Performance: Groundstrokes and Volleys
Groundstrokes are where the Clash Pro truly shines, offering a large sweet spot and easy access to spin. However, power isn't as high as some competitors. Many players will appreciate the arm-friendly feel and free depth generated by the flex.
Volleys benefit from the racket's impressive stability, surprising given its flexibility. However, for precise shot placement, the muted feel may require adjustment.
Stringing and Power
The Clash Pro is a known string-eater. The open string pattern contributes to its spin generation but also increases string breakage frequency. Experimentation with various string setups is crucial to finding optimal performance.
While the frame offers decent power for a 100 square inch racket, it's notably less powerful than rackets like the Wilson Burn or Head Extreme. This is a worthwhile tradeoff for players experiencing arm issues.
Serves and Touch Shots
The head-light balance makes serving exceptionally easy and generates impressive spin on kick serves. While pace isn't as high as some alternatives, the maneuverability is beneficial.
Touch shots, however, are where the Clash Pro falters. The excessive flex and large head size hinder precise control for drop shots and delicate placements.
Overall Conclusion
The Wilson Clash Pro is a significant innovation in racket design, offering exceptional arm-friendliness and spin generation. The large sweet spot and head-light balance are pluses for many players.
However, its muted feel and relative lack of power for precision shots might deter players who prioritize pinpoint accuracy. The significant flex, while beneficial for comfort, impacts control for some players.
